Camoes Institute University Scholarships (PALOP & Timor-Leste)

Overview

The Camoes Institute University Scholarships are Portuguese government awards that bring students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (the PALOP group) and East Timor to study at higher-education institutions in Portugal. They're run by Camoes - Instituto da Cooperacao e da Lingua, the Portuguese body for cooperation and language, as part of Portugal's cooperation programme with these countries.

The scholarships cover undergraduate, master's, and PhD studies, with monthly allowances that scale by level along with settling-in support and tuition help. A PhD candidate receives the highest monthly amount, a master's student a middle band, and an undergraduate the entry band plus an accommodation top-up. Because the awards are renewable, they're meant to support you across a full study cycle as long as you keep meeting the conditions and submit your renewal documents on time.

A defining feature is that you apply through official channels in your home country, not directly in Portugal. The available number of grants, the exact documents, and the deadlines are set locally in each country and managed by the relevant authorities, and the process runs in two stages, a pre-application followed by the full application. If you're a national and resident of one of the eligible countries and not a Portuguese citizen, this is one of the main funded routes into Portuguese universities.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You apply to study at a Portuguese higher-education institution at undergraduate, master's, or PhD level. The specific academic conditions, including grades and admission status, are set within each country's cooperation call, so check the requirements published locally.

Nationality Requirements

You must be a national and resident of one of the eligible countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, or East Timor. Portuguese citizens are not eligible, even if they hold one of these nationalities as well.

Language Requirements

Studies take place in Portuguese at Portuguese institutions, and since these scholarships serve Portuguese-speaking countries, the programme is built around Portuguese-language study. Meet whatever proof your chosen institution and programme require.

Age & Other Requirements

The published material doesn't set a fixed age limit. Renewal depends on meeting academic progress conditions and submitting your renewal documents on time. Each country's call can carry its own additional conditions, so read the local requirements list in full.

What the Scholarship Covers

• PhD: a monthly allowance of 870 EUR, a 275 EUR settling-in payment, and tuition support up to 1,650 EUR
• Master's: a monthly allowance of 710 EUR, a 275 EUR settling-in payment, and tuition support up to 1,100 EUR
• Undergraduate: a monthly allowance of 380 EUR, a 50 EUR monthly accommodation allowance, and 930 EUR tuition support
• Annual awards that are renewable across your study cycle
• Support handled through the cooperation programme between Portugal and your home country

How to Apply

1. Confirm your eligibility: Check that you're a national and resident of an eligible country and not a Portuguese citizen.
2. Find your local channel: Identify the official authority in your home country that manages the Camoes cooperation call, since you apply there rather than directly in Portugal.
3. Complete the pre-application: Submit the first stage of the two-stage process as instructed in your country's call.
4. Submit the full application: Provide the complete application with all documents your local call lists.
5. Secure your study place: Line up admission to a Portuguese higher-education institution for your chosen level.
6. Keep up with renewals: Once awarded, submit renewal documentation each year by the deadline to keep your scholarship.

Required Documents

• Completed pre-application and full application forms from your country's call
• Proof of nationality and residence in an eligible country
• Academic records and certificates for your level of study
• Proof of admission or enrolment at a Portuguese higher-education institution
• Identity or passport document
• Any additional documents specified in the official local requirements list

Key Dates & Deadlines

The scholarships run on an annual cooperation call, with the number of grants and deadlines set country by country. For renewals, the documentation is generally due by 31 December each year, with an extended deadline of 31 January for students who have December exams, and graduate renewals handled within 60 days after the grant period ends. Because the opening dates of the initial call vary locally, check your home country's authority for the current cycle.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply through the correct official channel in your home country, not directly in Portugal
• Complete both stages, the pre-application and the full application, on time
• Have proof of nationality, residence, and admission ready early
• Track renewal deadlines carefully once you hold the award

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming you apply directly to Camoes or a Portuguese university instead of your local authority
• Missing the pre-application stage of the two-stage process
• Applying as a Portuguese citizen, which makes you ineligible
• Losing the scholarship by missing the annual renewal deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Camoes Institute University Scholarships?

They're Portuguese government scholarships, run by Camoes - Instituto da Cooperacao e da Lingua, that fund students from Portuguese-speaking African countries and East Timor to study undergraduate, master's, or PhD programmes in Portugal.

Who is eligible for the Camoes Institute University Scholarships?

Nationals and residents of Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, or East Timor who are not Portuguese citizens and want to study at a Portuguese higher-education institution.

How much do the Camoes Institute University Scholarships pay?

PhD candidates get 870 EUR/month plus 275 EUR settling-in and up to 1,650 EUR tuition support; master's students get 710 EUR/month plus 275 EUR and up to 1,100 EUR; undergraduates get 380 EUR/month plus 50 EUR accommodation and 930 EUR tuition support.

How do I apply for the Camoes Institute University Scholarships?

You apply through the official channel in your home country, not directly in Portugal, following a two-stage process of pre-application then full application.

Are the Camoes Institute University Scholarships open to Portuguese citizens?

No. They're for nationals and residents of the eligible countries who are not Portuguese citizens.

What degree levels do the Camoes Institute University Scholarships cover?

Undergraduate, master's, and PhD studies, with some support for secondary education in select cases.

Are the Camoes Institute University Scholarships renewable?

Yes. They're annual awards that can be renewed across your study cycle as long as you meet the conditions and submit renewal documents on time.

What is the renewal deadline for the Camoes Institute University Scholarships?

Renewal documentation is generally due by 31 December each year, with an extended deadline of 31 January for students who have December exams.

Where do I apply for the Camoes Institute University Scholarships?

Through the official authority in your home country that manages the Camoes cooperation call. The number of grants, documents, and deadlines are set locally.

Do the Camoes Institute University Scholarships cover tuition?

Yes, in part. There's tuition support up to 1,650 EUR for PhD, up to 1,100 EUR for master's, and 930 EUR for undergraduate, on top of the monthly allowances.

What documents do the Camoes Institute University Scholarships require?

Expect the pre-application and full application forms, proof of nationality and residence, academic records, proof of admission to a Portuguese institution, an identity document, and anything else your country's official requirements list specifies.